﻿(Revised 3/21/13) The FDA just issued the following recall notification for a wide assortment of Natura Pet Products brand pet foods. The FDA notice follows the one that the company posted on their website a couple of days ago. We are still trying to find out what the production problem was that resulted in such a large-scale recall, but have been unable to speak with a spokesperson for Procter & Gamble, the owner of Natura. The company’s original post, with the list of recalled products, follows the one from the FDA.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -March 18, 2013 - Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling specific lots of dry pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No Salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

These products were made in a single production facility during a two week window in December 2012. Routine testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture collected from a single retail location tested positive for the presence of Salmonella. As a precautionary measure, Natura is voluntarily recalling all products from this production window.

The affected products are sold in bags through veterinary clinics, select pet specialty retailers, and online in the United States, Canada, Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Costa Rica. Product expiration dates range from 12/17/2013 – 1/2/2014. Product was distributed by Natura Pet Products between December 18, 2012 through March 15, 2013. No other dry food, canned food, biscuits, bars or treats are affected by this announcement.

A complete list of products in the scope of this recall are listed at the end of this release. Additional information on these products can be found at www.naturapet.com.

Natura Pet is voluntarily recalling specific California Natural, Innova, EVO, and Healthwise dry dog, cat, and ferret SKUs as a precautionary measure due to potential Salmonella contamination. No Karma, Mother Nature, wet or treat products are included in this recall. No illnesses have been reported from the recalled product and no other P&G Pet Care brands are impacted by this recall.

We were alerted to a single case of Salmonella in a 2.2lb package of EVO Turkey & Chicken Cat Food. We are taking the precautionary measure to voluntarily recall the entire production window that was produced from December 17-January 2. We believe this action is consistent with our ongoing commitment to product quality and animal and human safety.

Salmonella and other contaminants pose a great challenge to the food industry. No company is immune. We have fully investigated and identified the cause of this incident, and will continue to review and improve upon our manufacturing standards. The Fremont plant is in full production to quickly resupply any potential gaps.

The voluntary recall is limited to the SKUs listed on the attached document with specific lot codes and expiration dates. No other Natura Products are impacted and should be sold and fed with confidence. Please see the attached for specific SKUs, location of lot code data and expiration dates of impacted products.

What to do if you have this product in your store or warehouse:

Managers or designee should immediately secure all affected SKUs to an isolated location. Product should be secured/segregated from saleable product. Your Natura Sales Representative or distributor will be in contact with further instructions. If you need additional information please call 800.224.6123. We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause, and want to assure you that Natura Pet is taking all the necessary steps to ensure our product quality meets your expectations.